Reaching around 2.4 metres in length, D'Albertis Python (or White-lipped Python) is one of New Guinea's more common pythons. It occurs in a variety of habitats including primary rainforest, and low-lying swampy areas.

The species can be distinguished from other pythons on the basis of its white labial scales and the markedly elongate shape of its head and snout.

Two distinct races are recognised in New Guinea - a smaller, paler, light brown northern race and a larger, darker brown southern race. Under bright sunlight or flash photography the latter exhibits a strong iridescence.

Generally encountered at night as they cross roads and tracks, this nocturnal snake feeds on a variety of smaller ground-dwelling vertebrates.

The species is widely distributed in PNG and other parts of New Guinea, as well as the Torres Straits Islands of northern Australia.

All images at left are of the southern race of D'Albertis Python, which exhibits strong iridescence under flash photography.

Family : PYTHONIDAE
Species : Leiopython albertisii
Maximum Size : 2.4 metres

References : H6